The Mellers' chameleon is sometimes referred to as the giant one-horned chameleon, because of the small horn that protrudes from the tip of its snout. It has bright green and yellow stripes with brown and black spots along its body. These colors and patterns help it camouflage among the treetops of its native range.

Meller's chameleons can also change color. It is a common misconception that chameleons change color to blend in with their surroundings. A chameleon's natural coloring already camouflages it within its natural habitat. For these animals, changing color indicates stress or can be used as a communication tool. Chameleons also share another common characteristic—they can move each eye independently.

These reptiles reach lengths of 2 to 2 1/2 feet (61 to 76 centimeters). Their tails are one-third the length of their bodies. 

Mellers' chameleons inhabit treetops within savanna, woodland and mountain regions of Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania.

Meller's chameleons live up to 12 years in the wild.

These carnivores consume insects, smaller lizards, spiders, worms and caterpillars. They project their tongue to capture prey, extending it up to 20 inches (51 centimeters).

At the Smithsonian's National Zoo, Meller's chameleons eat crickets, mealworms and cockroaches.

Meller's chameleons live and hunt alone. They are diurnal, or most active during the day.

After copulation, females can store sperm for several months and lay several clutches after breeding just one time. Females deposit their eggs into a hole in the ground, burying the eggs with leaves.

Meller's chameleons are considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, as of a 2014 analysis. Their largest threat is collection for the pet trade.

Due to their size, the species is a desired exotic pet. Their population is currently thought to be stable throughout its range, but over time they could face the risk of being collected in unsustainable numbers.